'The closer I got to the edge, the taller it seemed': I abseiled the Spinnaker Tower for Portsmouth100

As Portsmouth celebrates its 100th birthday, 36 brave participants took on a challenge at Spinnaker Tower, descending 100 metres in the Portsmouth 100 Centenary Charity Abseil and raising more than £15,000 for local causes.

Held on Friday, the event brought together supporters from across the city to complete the abseil in aid of four organisations: Motiv8, Pompey in the Community, Spark Community Space and Politely Rebellious Next Gen CIC.

For many taking part, the challenge was as much a mental test as a physical one. Two emotions throughout the build-up to the event: excitement and apprehension, with both constantly battling for attention.

The opportunity first appeared on social media through Politely Rebellious CIC, and the prospect of joining a one-off centenary celebration alongside some of Portsmouth's most impactful charities quickly proved too tempting to resist.

Having previously abseiled Spinnaker Tower several years earlier while dressed as Spider-Man, I initially expected the challenge to be relatively straightforward. However, as the day approached, confidence gradually gave way to anxiety.

Messages of encouragement from friends and supporters, including one who had recently completed an Everest expedition, unexpectedly heightened the nerves.

People kept calling it brave, but the more I thought about it, the more I started wondering what I'd signed myself up for. As participants gathered for photographs and final preparations, the reality of the challenge began to sink in. Standing at the top of the tower, the scale of the descent became impossible to ignore.

The closer I got to the edge, the taller it seemed. The first thing that crossed my mind was: 'What am I doing?'

Despite the nerves, the purpose behind the challenge provided reassurance. Knowing the event was raising money for local charities helping people across Portsmouth offered the motivation needed to step over the edge.

Watching fellow participants descend only served as a reminder of the daunting drop ahead. Then came the moment organisers described as the "point of no return".

A slight slip while stepping over the edge resulted in an awkward bump against the tower wall, but after some reassuring words from the abseil team, the descent was underway.

The opening section proved easier than expected, with spectacular views across Portsmouth and the Solent offering a welcome distraction.

However, the true challenge came midway through the descent. Repeatedly feeding rope through the abseil device while seemingly making little progress tested both patience and determination.

As the ground drew closer, cheers from supporters gathered below became louder. The final metres passed quickly before participants were encouraged to wave to the crowd before touching down safely at the base of the tower.

The event formed part of Portsmouth's official Portsmouth100 celebrations and welcomed abseilers ranging in age from 16 to 75. Throughout the day, the participating charities engaged with families, raised awareness of their work and connected with members of the communities they support.

Thanks to the support of Mountjoy, The Abseilers and Spinnaker Tower, organisers confirmed that every penny raised will go directly to grassroots services across the city.

Dan Carlin, owner and finance director of Mountjoy, praised the collective effort behind the event.

“Mountjoy are all about creating positive change for our community," he said. "Over the last few years we have been proud to work with our social value partners, our team, supply chain and many across the city to make a real, measurable and collective difference.

"Together, by harnessing our energy in days like today's abseil, we have celebrated so many powerful stories, empowered people to thrive and created opportunities for everyone across Portsmouth to learn, grow and succeed.

"We are delighted with the Portsmouth Centenary Abseil and look forward to seeing the incredible difference the money raised will make possible. Thank you to everyone who stepped up, donated or got involved."